Van Dijk has become the focal point of Liverpool's defence since joining in January(Pic: GETTY)

The Reds defender has been the catalyst behind a complete transformation at the back, almost a year on from their meltdown at Wembley when they were thrashed 4-1 by Spurs.

But he believes his back four colleagues are equally impressive and that one of their inspirations is being handed the responsibility of leading their country.

Van Dijk is Holland captain, last week Andy Robertson was given the same honour by Scotland and with Joe Gomez previously England U21’s captain, there is suddenly a wealth of defensive excellence at Anfield.

The Dutchman believes being handed the national armband takes players to the next level.

But the whole team have improved massively since that fateful day at Wembley against Spurs last October, and Van Dijk is adamant that all the back four deserve equal praise.

Van Dijk picked up Liverpool’s player of the month award yesterday, only the fifth time a defender has won it in the past five years.

He added: “It’s my first one and I am very pleased to have won it but almost everyone in the team deserved it this month; everyone has been outstanding, giving their all, and you could see that in the results.

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